University receives $87.5 million from state for STEM programs

The state will be fully funding phase two of Ball State's STEM and Health Professions Facility Expansion Project.

Ball State has received $87.5 million through bonds to fund a new 175,000-square-foot facility that will allow the foundational sciences academic programs to grow on campus. STEM programs focus on educating students on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"[The bonds] will advance our university's priorities on providing students with educational opportunities in cutting-edge environments that simulate the worlds in which they will work after graduation," said interim president Terry King in an email to faculty.

The new facility will allow the university to continue to clear out Cooper Science Complex for renovations. Students petitioned to state legislators about replacing the building altogether in early April. They say Cooper isn't a good work environment, and needs to be renovated to make the atmosphere safer and more productive.